Endocrine & Metabolic

Question 1

Name the main components of the endocrine system.

Hint: there are 8 components

Answer 1

1. Central nervous system
2. Thyroid gland
3. Parathyroid gland
4. Adrenal glands
5. Gastrointestinal tract
6. Endocrine pancreas
7. Gonads
8. Placenta

Question 2

List the types of chemical messengers available for coordination of body functions.

Hint: there are 6

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Answer 2

1. Neurotransmitters
2. Endocrine hormones
3. Neuroendocrine hormones
4. Paracrine substances
5. Autocrine substances
6. Cytokines

Question 3

How do neurotransmitters work?

Answer 3

They are relaxed by axon terminals of neurons into synaptic clefts and act locally to control nerve cell function.

Question 4

How do endocrine hormones function?

Answer 4

They are released by glands into the circulating blood and influence the function of target locations at distant sites within the body.

Question 5

What do paracrine substances do?

Answer 5

They are secreted by cells into the extracellular fluid and affect neighboring target cells of different types.

Question 6

How do autocrine substances work?

Answer 6

They are secreted by cells into the extracellualr fluid and affect the function of the same cells that produce them.

Question 7

What do cytokines do?

Answer 7

They are proteins secreted by cells into extracellular fluid that generally affect the immune system.

Question 8

What is the difference between traditional hypoadrenocorticism and atypical hypoadrenocorticism?

Answer 8

Atypical Addison’s results from inadequate secretion of glucocorticoids only and does no cause the same classical lab findings as traditional.

Traditional results from inadequate secretion of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids by the adrenal cortex.

Question 9

What is the primary mineralocorticoid deficient in hypoadrenocorticism?

Answer 9

Aldosterone - which normally promotes renal resorption of sodium and water and excretion of potassium and hydrogen ions.

Question 10

What are the primary glucocorticoids deficient in hypoadrenocorticism?

Answer 10

Cortisol and corticosterone.

Question 11

Where is renin released from?

Answer 11

The juxtaglomerular cells (JG cells)

Question 12

From what organ does renin convert angiotensinogen to angiotensin I?

Answer 12

The liver

Question 13

From what organ is angiotensin I converted to angiotensin II via ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme)?

Answer 13

The lungs

Question 14

Summarize the key concepts of RAAS

Answer 14

1. Hormonal mechanisms involved in volume homeostasis (plasma volume) and cardiovascular control.
2. Mechanisms underlying increased angiotensin II synthesis during volume depletion.
3. Actions of angiotensin II to restore blood pressure and ECF volume
4. Angiotensin II independent regulation of ECF volume by ADH/AVP
5. Counteractions of natriuretic peptides to discontinue angiotensin II

The body will strive to maintain homeostasis and an appropriate blood volume in any way possible. This will happen via vasoconstriction, sodium, and water reabsorption. Kidneys, heart, brain, lungs and liver will be doing all the work.